Kaymer takes over US Open lead

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Monday, June 16, 2014

PINEHURST, North Carolina - World No.1 Adam Scott admitted being too cautious after failing to take advantage as runaway US Open leader Martin Kaymer finally showed vulnerability on a brutally difficult Pinehurst No.2 course.

After posting the lowest total in Open history through 36 holes to lead by six shots at 10-under, German star Kaymer's two-over-par 72 third round was still good enough to lead by five from American young gun Rickie Fowler (67) and feel good story Erik Compton (67), a double heart transplant recipient.

Scott battled to a 73 and fellow Australian Jason Day a 72 to be three-over - a distant 10 shots behind Kaymer - in a tie for 16th and needing a miracle.

World No.2 Henrik Stenson (70), who could take Scott's No.1 status with a win if Scott finishes outside the top four, and Dustin Johnson (70) share fourth at two-under.

Aaron Baddeley, the only other Australian to make the halfway cut from 11 starters, shot 73 to be four-over and tied 23rd.

"I might have played a bit too cautious," Scott lamented.

"Today was a bit of a letdown.

"Every round I've got under par after the first half a dozen holes and only one day I've managed to keep it going so that's a little disappointing."

In extremely hot and dry conditions and playing a very tough course setup that allowed only two sub-par rounds on Saturday, Scott started strongly with some impressive par saving efforts over the opening four holes.

The Queenslander than pumped a drive down the par-five fifth and hit a beautiful six iron to seven-feet with his second.

But his eagle putt lipped out forcing him to settle for a birdie and rather than ride the momentum forward he stumbled as the par threes on the course bared their teeth.